By Shannon Lukens. Photos courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Photo courtesy David Rehak Suma with CPW.
The cow moose with two newborn calves that hurt two people in River Creek Park on Sunday has been relocated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Her two calves were taken with her.
Here’s District Wildlife Manager David Rehak Suma from the Steamboat Springs south district.
“We’re really excited that the relocation went well this morning. We were able to get mom and her two calves together. We sedated the mom and then were able to just grab the two calves and then move them up to North Routt. We released them and then they reunited and they went off into happier trails together.”
The moose was monitored for 48 hours and CPW says they looked very comfortable at River Creek Park and they weren’t going to move on their own. So they were moved Wednesday morning. CPW says it’s for the safety of the three moose and the public.
The cow moose was tranquilized and put into a horse trailer. The two calves did not have to be sedated and they joined their mom in the trailer. The moose has been collared and will be monitored by CPW. The moose were released in North Routt County.
Photo courtesy David Rehak Suma with CPW.
The City of Steamboat Springs has reopened River Creek Park. But always be aware of moose signage and avoid an area if you see warnings that moose are in the area.
June 2, 2025 — Moose attacks at River Creek Park
Press Release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife; June 4, 2025.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife relocates cow moose and her calves in Steamboat Springs
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo — On Wednesday, June 4, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) successfully relocated a cow and two calf moose in River Creek Park in Steamboat Springs for the safety and well-being of the moose and the public.
“After monitoring the moose and her young over the last 48 hours, we determined they were very comfortable in the area and not going to move on their own,” said Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Justin Pollock. “While this area is perfect habitat for moose, the risk not only to their safety in a populated area and the safety of people was too high, which is why we chose to relocate them.”
CPW was able to tranquilize the cow moose and load her into a horse trailer where she was given a drug to reverse the sedation drugs. Both calves were then picked up, fully awake, and placed into the trailer as well. The cow moose was fitted with a collar and will be monitored by CPW as part of a moose population and movement study being conducted in Steamboat Springs.
The moose and calves were safely transported to an area outside of Steamboat Springs. CPW monitored the three for a brief period of time, before leaving the area.
This cow moose is the same one involved in the recent attack on Sunday, June 1, during which one person was seriously injured and taken to the hospital. A man also received minor injuries after being kicked by the moose while helping the first victim get to safety. CPW does not have any additional information on the condition of the female victim.
The City of Steamboat Springs has reopened River Creek Park. CPW and the City of Steamboat want to remind the public that it is not uncommon to see moose in and around the town. Moose are often found in areas near water with an abundance of willows, which is their primary food source. It is important to maintain a safe distance from moose, never approach them, and keep your dogs on a leash when hiking in moose habitat. If you know there’s moose in the area or see signs warning about an aggressive animal, it’s recommended to find another place to spend time outdoors.
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